The latest addition to the OnePlus family is the Keyboard 81 Pro, a mechanical keyboard that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Keychron Q1 Pro. While some might say it’s just a rebranded version of the Q1 Pro with a few tweaks, we’ll dive deeper to explore what makes this keyboard unique.
A Closer Look at the Keychron Q1 Pro
Before we get into the details of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, let’s take a quick look at its inspiration – the Keychron Q1 Pro. This wireless mechanical keyboard is made from solid aluminum and features a gasket-mounted switch plate for a premium typing experience. One of its standout features is hot-swappable switches, which allow you to change its typing feel without soldering. Additionally, the Q1 Pro comes with VIA customization software, enabling users to remap their keys and customize their experience.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: A Fresh Take
So, what does the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro bring to the table? For starters, it’s a wireless mechanical keyboard that costs between $219 and $239, depending on your location. That’s a premium price tag, but one that comes with some notable upgrades.
A New Switch in Town
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro features two new switches: ‘Winter Bonfire’ (tactile) and ‘Summer Breeze’ (linear). These switches are designed to provide a smoother typing experience, with a medium weight and smoothness that’s reminiscent of the Keychron K Pro. However, there’s one notable difference – the way these switches feel when you bottom out.
Quieter, but Not Necessarily Better
When using the ‘Summer Breeze’ switches, I found the keyboard to be quieter than its Q1 Pro counterpart. This might be a welcome change for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound or need a keyboard for office use or video calls. However, it’s worth noting that the ‘Winter Bonfire’ switches aren’t as well-tested.
Height-Adjustable and Wired/Wireless Switch
Another notable feature of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is its height-adjustable design. This allows users to customize their typing experience even further by adjusting the keyboard’s height to suit their preferences. Additionally, the wired/wireless switch has been tweaked to look more ‘OnePlus,’ with a design that’s sure to appeal to fans of the brand.
RGB Lighting: Not as Exciting
Unfortunately, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro’s RGB lighting isn’t particularly impressive. While it’s great to see some color customization options, the keycaps aren’t shinethrough, and the light is relatively underwhelming. I’d recommend leaving the RGB turned off unless you’re using the keyboard wired.
Battery Life: A Compromise
One of the downsides of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is its battery life. With RGB turned on (even at its lowest setting), you can expect around 100 hours of battery life. This drops to an impressive 300 hours when RGB is turned off entirely. So, if you’re looking for a keyboard that’s always ready to go, this might be a compromise.
A Verdict: Not Better or Worse
In conclusion, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is neither better nor worse than its Q1 Pro inspiration. It’s quieter, feels different to type on, and has some welcome design changes. Whether these upgrades are worth paying a $20 to $40 price premium depends on your personal preferences.
Specifications:
- Hot-swappable switches
- VIA customization software
- Height-adjustable design
- Wired/wireless switch with ‘OnePlus’ design
- RGB lighting (not particularly impressive)
- Battery life:
- 100 hours with RGB turned on
- 300 hours with RGB turned off
Conclusion:
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is a reimagined version of the Keychron Q1 Pro, with some notable upgrades and changes. While it’s not necessarily better or worse than its inspiration, it does offer a fresh take on the mechanical keyboard market. If you’re looking for a quiet, customizable, and height-adjustable keyboard, this might be worth considering – but don’t expect any groundbreaking innovations.
Typing Sound Test:
For those interested in hearing the typing sound test of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, here are two links:
- What typing sounds like on the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro with ‘Summer Breeze’ switches
- What typing sounds like on the Keychron Q1 Pro for comparison
Note: The links above are fictional and used only as examples.
